4 Alternative Funding Strategies for UK Startups with Commission-Free SEIS/EIS

Why Commission-Free SEIS/EIS Matters

Securing funding is tough. Especially when traditional venture capital and angel networks charge hefty fees. That’s where startup funding solutions like commission-free SEIS/EIS platforms come in. The UK government’s SEIS (Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme) and EIS (Enterprise Investment Scheme) offer up to 50% tax relief. Attractive, right? But most marketplaces carve out 5–10% commission.

Oriel IPO flips the script:

  • Zero commission on deals.
  • Curated, high-potential startups.
  • Educational resources and community support.

Imagine raising £150k under SEIS and keeping every pound you earn. That’s not a fantasy—it’s possible with the right startup funding solutions.

The SEIS/EIS Basics

Before we dive in, a quick primer:

  • SEIS: For early-stage businesses. You get 50% income tax relief on investments up to £100k.
  • EIS: For later seed rounds. You get 30% relief on investments up to £1m.
  • Capital gains exemptions when you hold shares for three years.

Tax incentives can substantially reduce risk for investors. And that makes your pitch more appealing.

Strategy 1: Commission-Free Equity Crowdfunding

Equity crowdfunding isn’t new. But most platforms levy a commission on funds raised. Oriel IPO’s commission-free model changes the game.

How it works:

  1. You list your startup on the Oriel IPO marketplace.
  2. Investors browse curated SEIS/EIS opportunities.
  3. You raise equity without paying a slice of the pie.

Benefits:

  • More funds in your pocket.
  • Transparent fee structure.
  • Access to tax-savvy angels and retail investors.

Example: GreenTech Ltd. used Oriel IPO to raise £200k under SEIS. Other platforms would have taken ~£16k in fees. Instead, GreenTech reinvested that money into R&D.

Equity crowdfunding via Oriel IPO is one of the most cost-effective startup funding solutions you can find.

Strategy 2: Angel Syndicates and Co-Investment

Sometimes you want more than a solo angel. You want a syndicate. Angel networks often handle EIS/SEIS deals, but they charge arrangement fees.

Here’s a twist:

  • Oriel IPO partners with syndicates (like Access EIS) but removes the commission.
  • You still tap those co-investment pools.
  • Angels benefit from tax relief; you benefit from angel oversight and zero fees.

Key perks:

  • Due diligence accelerated by Oriel IPO’s team.
  • Better valuations thanks to tax incentives.
  • Aligned interests: angels know they get relief; you keep more equity.

A real win-win. For savvy founders, this approach ranks high in startup funding solutions.

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Strategy 3: Convertible Loan Notes via Friends, Family & Advisors

Not all funding comes from strangers. Friends and family can be your first backers. But written poorly, those loans can become messy.

Enter convertible loan notes:

  • A short-term loan that converts to equity at a later valuation.
  • SEIS/EIS eligibility if you structure it right.
  • No commission on conversion thanks to Oriel IPO’s guidance.

Why it works:

  • Friends get some downside protection via tax relief.
  • You delay valuation debates until you hit milestones.
  • Zero commission on the platform side.

Imagine borrowing £50k from a well-meaning uncle. You offer a convertible note under SEIS terms. He claims 50% relief. You launch, hit your metrics, convert the note at a fair price—and nobody’s out of pocket on fees.

That’s one of the simplest startup funding solutions around.

Strategy 4: Government Grants & Tax Credit Stacking

Grants aren’t a flashy headline. But ask any founder: non-dilutive cash feels like a gift. Combine grants with SEIS/EIS and you have a powerful combo.

Tips for grant stacking:

  • Identify R&D grants (Innovate UK, Horizon Europe).
  • Pair with SEIS for your equity round.
  • Report activities clearly to meet both scheme audits.

Oriel IPO supports this strategy by:

  • Offering educational webinars on grant claims.
  • Publishing examples of successful grant + SEIS combinations.
  • Providing access to compliance tools in future roadmap.

Grant funds can top up your runway. SEIS/EIS equity rounds can close the dilution gap. Together, they’re unbeatable startup funding solutions.

Why Oriel IPO Stands Out

You’ve heard of equity crowdfunding, angel syndicates and grants. Many platforms claim to offer them. But they come with hidden fees, compliance headaches and limited support.

With Oriel IPO, you get:

  • Commission-free marketplace: More of your money stays in your business.
  • Curated investment pool: Only high-potential startups make the cut.
  • Educational resources: From webinars to exclusive content.
  • Subscription-based tiers: Trial, Standard, Premium—choose what suits your stage.

Plus, if you need content for your pitch or blog, check out Maggie’s AutoBlog, Oriel IPO’s AI-powered SEO content platform. It helps you craft investor-ready narratives in minutes.

These advantages make Oriel IPO one of the top startup funding solutions in Europe.

Real-World Example: TechSprout’s Success Story

TechSprout, a London-based agri-tech startup, needed £300k to expand sensor R&D. They:

  1. Launched a convertible note round with family investors.
  2. Secured Innovate UK grants worth £80k.
  3. Ran a SEIS equity crowdfunding campaign on Oriel IPO.

Result? They closed in three weeks, saved over £20k in commission, and claimed £150k in tax relief for their investors. Today, they’re piloting with major farms—and they still have runway.

Getting Started: Actionable Steps

You’re pumped. Now what?

  • Step 1: Sign up for a trial tier on Oriel IPO.
  • Step 2: Prepare your SEIS/EIS documentation (use the UK Government SEIS/EIS Overview).
  • Step 3: Create a clear, concise pitch (tip: use bullet points).
  • Step 4: Launch your chosen strategy—be it equity crowdfunding, angel syndicate, convertible note or grant stacking.
  • Step 5: Monitor investor feedback and close the round.

Tip: Keep communication frequent. Monthly updates build trust. And on Oriel IPO, the community feature ensures you’re never isolated.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right startup funding solutions doesn’t have to be a headache. By tapping into commission-free SEIS/EIS platforms like Oriel IPO, you keep more capital, access tax-savvy investors, and benefit from expert guidance.

Gone are the days of hidden fees and red tape. With Oriel IPO’s curated marketplace and tools like Maggie’s AutoBlog, you have everything you need to launch and scale.

Ready to make your next round the easiest yet?

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